The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was organized at Decatur, Illinois on April 6, 1866 by Dr. B.F. Stephenson. All honorably discharged soldiers, sailors or marines of the United States volunteers or regular armed forces were eligible for membership. The GAR went through turbulent times during it's early years over political issues and internal problems. The final encampment was held at Indianapolis in 1949 with the six surviving members in attendance. The Department of Michigan was established in the mid-1860's and by 1893 had 397 posts with a total membership of 19,617.
From the description of Records of the Michigan Department of the Grand Army of the Republic, 1861-1957 1895-1919. (State Archive of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 48245271
